HK1159293B - Rfid anti-theft system and method - Google Patents

Description

Radio frequency identification anti-theft system and method

Technical Field

The invention relates to a safety anti-theft technology, in particular to a wireless radio frequency identification anti-theft system and a wireless radio frequency identification anti-theft method.

Background

The annual amount of merchandise theft has amounted to hundreds of billions of dollars. The stealing amount of shoplifters and self staff accounts for most of the total loss. Therefore, the most effective way to prevent the loss is to deter the suspected pickpocket to protect the merchandise. Theft will tend to get under the famous, valuable, small and easily hidden merchandise which has a rather popular appearance and is easy to sell over. Among these most easily handled items, small items such as famous watches and precious jewelry have been the most attractive (thieves) to handle. There is no doubt that even a single small item is stolen, a large loss for a luxury watch or jewelry store. The occurrence of any (theft) event is unacceptable. Unfortunately, even if significant industrial technological innovations emerge that continue to make sense, new and efficiently available solutions to the above-mentioned problems are rare, ranging from integrated product protection strategies to the most advanced wear management systems (shrinkmanagement systems). In particular, there is a lack of a comprehensive system means of integrating store theft prevention into the brand retailer mode of operation.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, there is a need for an rfid anti-theft system and method.

The invention provides a radio frequency identification anti-theft system which is suitable for monitoring the existence of a plurality of label marked articles, wherein each label marked article is pasted with a radio frequency label. The system comprises a wireless radio frequency reader, a processor and a display. The wireless radio frequency reader comprises an antenna, and transmits a query signal to the wireless radio frequency tag through the antenna and receives data returned from the wireless radio frequency tag. The processor is connected to the wireless radio frequency reader and used for processing data received by the reader and returned from the wireless radio frequency tag. The display is connected to the processor and used for displaying the calculation result of the processor. Wherein the processor is configured to update a value of a first counter indicative of a number of tagged items located within the predefined area and update a value of a second counter indicative of a number of tagged items removed from the predefined area; the display is used for displaying the values of the first counter and the second counter, so as to assist an operator to judge whether a safety event occurs by analyzing the values of the first counter and the second counter.

The processor and display may be integrated into a mobile computer. The display may be a touch screen display. The radio frequency identification anti-theft system may also include a battery pack connected to the processor for powering the reader, the processor, and the display. The line rfid anti-theft system may also include a wireless battery charger coupled to the battery pack for wirelessly charging the battery pack.

The radio frequency identification anti-theft system may further include an emergency button connected to the processor, and the operator may press the emergency button upon determining that a security event has occurred, thereby triggering a predetermined alarm and a preset authentication procedure.

The processor may be connected to and monitored by a remote computer. The radio frequency identification reader may be mounted on a fixed platform or embedded in a removable container to be concealed. The processor may also be configured to reset the first counter and the second counter after the operator determines that the predetermined area has not experienced a security event.

The invention also provides a method for monitoring the occurrence of a security event of a plurality of tagged items, wherein each tagged item is tagged with a radio frequency tag. The method comprises the following steps: sending an interrogation signal to the wireless radio frequency tag and receiving data returned from the wireless radio frequency tag; processing data returned from the wireless radio frequency tag; displaying the processing result; the step of processing the data returned by the wireless radio frequency tag comprises the following steps: the method includes updating a value of a first counter indicating a number of tagged items located within a predefined area, updating a value of a second counter indicating a number of tagged items removed from the predefined area, and determining whether a security event occurred by comparing the value of the first counter to an expected value and comparing the value of the second counter to zero.

The method can also comprise the steps of starting a preset alarm and starting a preset verification program after the safety event occurs in the preset area. The method may further include remotely monitoring and processing data returned from the radio frequency tags at multiple locations simultaneously. The method may further include resetting the first counter and the second counter after determining that the security event has not occurred in the predetermined area.

The invention further provides a radio frequency identification anti-theft system, which is suitable for monitoring the existence of a plurality of label marked articles, wherein each label marked article is pasted with a radio frequency label. The system comprises a wireless radio frequency reader, a processor and a display. The wireless radio frequency reader comprises an antenna, and transmits a query signal to the wireless radio frequency tag through the antenna and receives data returned from the wireless radio frequency tag. The processor is connected to the wireless radio frequency reader and used for processing data received by the reader and returned from the wireless radio frequency tag. The display is connected to the processor and used for displaying the calculation result of the processor. Wherein the processor is configured to update a value of a first counter indicating a number of tagged items located within the predefined area and update a value of a second counter indicating a number of tagged items removed from the predefined area, compare the value of the first counter to an expected value, and compare the value of the second counter to zero to assist an operator in determining whether a security event has occurred. The display is used for displaying the values of the first counter and the second counter.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a radio frequency identification anti-theft system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an rfid anti-theft system applied in a mobile communication environment according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a radio frequency identification theft prevention system provided with an emergency button for safety purposes according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart of the operation of the rfid security system shown in fig. 1and 2.

Fig. 5 is a top view of a rfid theft prevention system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the radio frequency identification anti-theft system of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a top view of a rfid theft prevention system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the radio frequency identification anti-theft system of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a rfid anti-theft system including a wireless charging adapter for charging a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The rfid antitheft system and method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings and embodiments, and other examples are also provided in the following description. While the RFID anti-theft system and method has been described in detail in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, for the sake of clarity, some of the techniques that have been apparent in the relevant art and which do not affect the understanding of the RFID anti-theft system and method of the present invention, will be omitted from this description.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the rfid security system of the present invention. The system includes a display (in this embodiment, an LCD display 101), a processor (in this embodiment, a computer 103) coupled to the LCD display 101, an rfid reader 105 coupled to the computer 103, and at least one antenna coupled to the rfid reader 105 such that rfid tags in proximity to the system are detectable. In this embodiment, two antennas 107, 109 are provided, which are respectively connected to the rfid reader 105 to ensure coverage of the reading area. The radio frequency identification reader 105 may be an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification reader. The LCD display 101 may be a touch screen liquid crystal display.

In operation, the RFID reader 105 is controlled by the computer 103 to detect any RFID tags in proximity thereto and to query the RFID tags to receive data returned by the RFID tags. The radio frequency reader 105 is also used to transmit the data of the radio frequency tag it receives to the computer 103. The computer 103 is used to continuously monitor the data for changes.

Generally, the RFID anti-theft system of the present embodiment may be used, for example, in luxury stores. Such stores are generally not prone to large devices and systems that deviate from their interior design styles. Therefore, the RFID anti-theft system is designed in a way that the whole installation equipment is small in volume and can be placed in a store in a hidden way. The system of this embodiment shown in fig. 1 may be reasonably installed under a display shelf or a fixed container.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an rfid anti-theft system applied in a mobile communication environment according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the display 101 and the processor 103 are embedded in the integrated mobile computer 201. In particular, the all-in-one mobile computer 201 includes a touch screen display. The entire system may be powered by battery power or other dc power source. The system may be stored and embedded in a removable container such as a display tray, case, box, or the like.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a radio frequency identification theft prevention system provided with an emergency button for safety purposes according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the background system generates a predetermined alert notification when the operator determines that a security event may have occurred and presses the emergency button 301.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart of the operation of the rfid security system shown in fig. 1and 2. Radio frequency tags are used to store a unique identifier for an item in the luxury item store environment. The wireless radio frequency reader 105, 205 is used to detect and read this tag information to identify the luxury item being detected. One radio frequency tag is associated with each item.

Luxury items are often stored in display shelves that can only be removed when a customer requests a try. First, when a customer in a luxury store wants to try out, for example, a valuable jewelry or watch, the clerk would place the item in a plate or in a fixed area. For convenience of description, the present embodiment is illustrated with the system in a mobile environment shown in fig. 2. The antennas 207, 209 and the entire system are embedded in a removable tray. The same system flow can be applied when the system is mounted on a fixed display shelf.

Antennas 207, 209 are mounted in the tray for monitoring and detecting tagged items (step 401). If the tag information is identified, the RF reader 205 will send the tag information to the computer 201 (step 403). Computer 201 will update a counter (# C1) for counting the tagged items to be detected in the tray, e.g., the total number of items in the tray before trial use (step 405). The counter counts from zero and increases as the number of tag-marked items in the tray is detected to increase. The counter is displayed on a touch screen display included in the computer 201. During the trial process, the item being tried will be removed from the tray (step 407). The system will then detect that certain rfid tagged items have moved out of the read zone, such as a pallet. The system then updates another counter (# C2) for counting the tagged items that were moved out of the read zone (step 409). The counter may also be displayed on a touch screen display for clear comparison by store clerks. This process continues as the customer tries the desired item. When the customer has tried out an item, the clerk will return the item to the tray (step 411). The counter (# C2) deletes the radio frequency tag information or the corresponding item count value of the put-back item and updates the count value displayed on the touch screen of the computer 201 (step 413). This process does not end until the customer has tried all the desired items. Finally, the clerk should read the values of counters # C1and # C2 (step 415). If the value of counter # C2 is zero, all the articles on trial are safe and have been recycled to the tray. All counters will be reset by the clerk (step 417). Otherwise if the value of counter # C2 is not zero, it indicates that there may be an item that has not been placed back by a clerk, or a theft event has occurred. In the event that the value of counter # C2 is non-zero, a store-internal verification process (step 419) will be initiated, which can be verified by an authorized person. The authorized person would have to place his card with rfid capability on the tray and allow the system counter to reset. Other types of verification programs may also be set up according to store regulations.

During the customer trial, new items that have not been tried and initially not tested are ready to be placed in the tray. Repeating steps 401, 403 and 405 above, the value of counter # C1 is incremented accordingly to reflect the new item being detected in the tray.

In the above embodiment, if the value of counter # C1 does not match the expected value of the clerk or the value of counter # C2 is non-zero (step 416), indicating that a security event may have occurred, an in-store verification procedure will be initiated (step 419). It will be appreciated that the analysis of the values of counters # C1and # C2 may be performed by a clerk, or automatically by computer 201.

In addition, the system is configured to provide a monitor function whereby the counter value on the display screen is remotely monitored by a remote computer. In other words, the conditions occurring in real time on the store's mobile trays can be monitored by a central computer. This monitoring function is equally applicable to systems mounted on fixed display stands.

Fig. 5 is a top view of a rfid theft prevention system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a side view of the radio frequency identification anti-theft system of fig. 5. Fig. 5 and 6 show the installation structure of the system applied to the fixed container or the display rack. As shown in fig. 5, a luxury item is placed on a display shelf or counter on top of which a predetermined area 501 may be provided before a customer tries. The area 501 is a controlled area equipped with an antenna and a radio frequency identification reader for detecting tagged items placed therein. In practice, the antenna and RFID reader may be mounted in-line beneath the display stand so that they are hidden from the consumer. The system will detect any tagged items placed in the controlled area 501. The computer and display may be located in the area 501 of the display stand or counter or anywhere remote from the area 501. Figure 6 shows a hidden installation diagram of the system architecture. The antenna 603 and the radio frequency reader 605 are mounted hidden under a display shelf or counter 607.

Fig. 7 is a top view of a rfid theft prevention system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a side view of the radio frequency identification anti-theft system of fig. 7. Fig. 7 and 8 show a system installation structure applied to a moving container such as a pallet. As shown in fig. 7, an antenna 701 is disposed on the surface of the tray so that when a tagged item is placed in the tray, the tagged item is detected by the antenna 701 connected to the rf reader 703. The system can be operated and the results displayed by store personnel through an integral computer 705 provided with a touch screen. Fig. 8 shows a side view of a tray provided with an rfid anti-theft device, with the antenna and rfid reader hidden from view from outside the tray. This design is equally applicable to all other transportable containers.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a rfid anti-theft system including a wireless charging adapter for charging a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the system battery pack 903 can be charged wirelessly by the wireless battery charger 901. The system can be run in the battery powered configuration by a battery power supply, which operates in the same manner as the other embodiments described above.

The above description is only exemplary of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the invention, as any modification, equivalent replacement, or improvement made within the spirit and principle of the invention should be included in the protection scope of the invention.

Claims (8)

1. A removable pallet having a rfid anti-theft system embedded therein, adapted to monitor the presence of a plurality of tagged items, each tagged item having a rfid tag affixed thereto, the system comprising:

a radio frequency reader, which comprises two antennae for ensuring the coverage of a reading area, and sends a query signal to a radio frequency tag through the antennae and receives data returned from the radio frequency tag;

a processor connected to the radio frequency reader for processing the data received by the reader from the radio frequency tag;

and a display connected to the processor for displaying the result calculated by the processor;

wherein the processor is configured to update a value of a first counter indicating a number of tagged items located within a predefined area and update a value of a second counter indicating a number of tagged items removed from the predefined area, and the display is configured to display the values of the first and second counters, thereby assisting an operator in determining whether a security event has occurred by analyzing the values of the first and second counters; when the article removed from the tray is put back to the tray, the second counter deletes the radio frequency identification information of the put-back article or the corresponding article count value and updates the count value; when the article trial process is finished, the values of the first counter and the second counter are read, if the value of the second counter is zero, all the articles to be tried are safe and are recycled into the tray; all counters are reset; if the value of the first counter does not match the expected value or the value of the second counter is not zero, indicating that a security event has occurred;

the processor and the display are embedded in the integrated mobile computer; the display is a touch screen display; the radio frequency reader and antenna are embedded in the removable tray to be hidden from view from outside the tray.

2. The removable tray of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a battery pack coupled to the processor for powering the reader, the processor, and the display.

3. The removable tray of claim 2, wherein the system further comprises a wireless battery charger coupled to the battery pack for wirelessly charging the battery pack.

4. The removable tray of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an emergency button coupled to the processor, the emergency button being depressed by an operator upon determining that a safety event has occurred, thereby triggering a predetermined alarm and a predetermined verification procedure.

5. The removable tray of claim 1, wherein the processor is connected to and monitored by a remote computer.

6. A method of monitoring security events of a plurality of tagged items, each tagged item being tagged with a radio frequency tag, using a removable pallet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, the method comprising the steps of:

sending an interrogation signal to the wireless radio frequency tag and receiving data returned from the wireless radio frequency tag;

processing the data returned from the wireless radio frequency tag;

displaying the processing result;

wherein, the step of processing the data returned by the wireless radio frequency tag comprises the following steps: the method includes updating a value of a first counter indicating a number of tagged items located within a predefined area, updating a value of a second counter indicating a number of tagged items removed from the predefined area, and determining whether a security event occurred by comparing the value of the first counter to an expected value and comparing the value of the second counter to zero.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising initiating a predetermined alarm and initiating a predetermined authentication procedure upon determining that a security event has occurred in the predetermined area.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising remotely monitoring and processing the data returned from the RF tags at multiple locations simultaneously.